Islamabad is preparing to host critical negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend, six weeks after US-Israeli strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a regional war. The talks follow a Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire that is already under strain due to differing interpretations of its terms and intensified Israeli bombing of Lebanon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited both sides to pursue a full settlement, with discussions set to begin Saturday at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel under tight security.

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation, joined by top envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran will be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The delegations are expected to meet separately, with Pakistani officials mediating. Iran’s 10-point peace proposal includes oversight of the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawal of US forces, while Washington insists on Iran surrendering enriched uranium.

Analysts warn that deep mistrust and Israel’s exclusion from the talks could hinder progress. Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire remains a major point of contention, with observers describing it as the potential breaking point for the fragile truce.